Seeking new leadership, Bardstown mayor terminates city police chief

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIOSTAFF REPORT

STEVE URAM

Thursday, July 6, 2017 — Bardstown Police Chief Steve Uram was terminated Thursday from his position as chief by Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton.

Heaton said Thursday he determined a change in the police department’s leadership was necessary. The city police department has struggled as it has worked to restore morale and rebuild from the steady loss of experienced officers that began last year.

With the pending departure of Officer McKenzie Mattingly July 14, the department will have lost eight officers since January 1 — more than a fourth of the department’s authorized positions, Heaton explained.

Interim Capt. C.D. Marksbury has agreed to serve as the department’s interim police chief, Heaton said. The city will advertise for police chief candidates and a committee will be appointed to review candidates. The committee will select three candidates for the mayor’s review.

C.D. MARKSBURY

Uram was hired as police chief last November by former Mayor John Royalty following a search for a new chief.

Marksbury has served most of his law enforcement career in Nelson County. He served as an officer and police chief of the Bardstown Police Department before he retired. After he retired, he later returned to work as a part-time evidence technician.

He was named interim captain after Capt. McKenzie Mattingly submitted his resignation on June 2.